At 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy, something he will have for the rest of his life. He also has dysphagia, a disorder that affects his ability to eat and swallow, so to this day, he is formula fed to meet his nutritional needs.  He also is dyspraxic, so his speech is not on track. His brain knows what it wants to say, but the muscles can’t always figure out how to say it. He finally began walking with the help of special bracing at 2 and a half. Every day he works hard, he fights, he uses ridiculous amounts of energy to get through his day. He has days where his body is just worn out, so he hangs out on the couch most of the day. He isn’t able to keep up with kids his own age, but he is happy! He doesn’t see his differences and he does not let them stop him.

He has had a lot of hospital stays in his short life. Because of his different abilities, he is at risk for illness, and it’s hard to fight those illnesses off, so when he gets sick, he gets really sick and tends to wind up in the hospital. He always seems to take them in stride, and the staff at the hospital always fall in love with him because he smiles through it all. He has won the hearts of all his therapists and doctors. Recently, many have shared with us they never imagined he would be at the point he is at today. Even though they didn’t put a cap on what he would do, they have all said they did not expect him to do much. He has far surpassed their expectations. LOVE and nutrition can change a life.

Courtesy of Eric and LeAnne Stadler